The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John L. Lyons (ASN: 39728142), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, on 11 June 1945. An infantry platoon was moving over an open ridge in an attack against enemy positions on commanding ground at Orieung Pass, when it met heavy hostile fire which caused numerous casualties. Private First Class Lyons, as a member of a litter team, helped to carry several wounded men back over the ridge where cover from Japanese fire was available. He made two trips over the ridge, but on the third trip the intense enemy fire wounded two members of the little party. Private First Class Lyons with utter disregard for his personal safety, remained in his exposed position, administered first aid to the wounded, and then, leaving them to be evacuated by another litter party, went to the aid of a casualty 50 yards down the forward slope of the ridge. He dragged this man to a shell hole, gave him medical treatment, and then with the aid of another soldier carried him to a safe position. Throughout these actions the Japanese were placing heavy machine gun and rifle fire upon the ridge, and Private First Class Lyons’ courage and coolness under fire served as an inspiration to the wounded and the other soldiers in the vicinity. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Lyons, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.